BICYCLES!!!! full suspension

maletac

Hey so i wanted to buy a bike.,... i dont have that much money somewhere around 300 or less would be great to buy a bike.. i hear getting a full suspension would be best since i am doing trails and such and i live in az... i could push to 400 if i really need to but thats a bit much for me

what should i get

what should i not get

what should i watch out for?

used?

tips?

anything at all?

Samerah12

bump

I'm in the same boat, thinking ahead to next summer.

AZTrailRunner

My buddy spent $300-$400 on a full suspension bike, only to have the front sprocket taco over the first time he had to mash the pedals on a climb. I would consider looking for a used one for that price range. It'll buy you more bike.

Katbaran

You might try the local tradin' times for a used bike from a really nice neighborhood. Seriously, my hubby scored a $1300 road bike for $300. Guy bought it, never used it and decided to sell it. Decide what you want and keep an eye on the paper. There are good deals to be had!
Good luck!

AZTrailRunner

Don't forget Craigslist.

chuckyp

Yeah you won't get much quality at all for $300. I second the used bike idea.
However, most of the really nice bikes advertised for really cheap are stolen.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Buyer beware!

summergreen487

If your budget is only $300 don't go for a full suspension - it means your buying a really crappy bike. A somewhat decent full suspension bike will start at over $1000. Your better of getting a higher quality bike without the full suspension. For $300 I would also recommend going the used route.

maletac

Yeah I'm going to go used... What models? Any decent models to get full suspension used?

LooseWheel

We have bought the cheapies b4. Lots of them. The kids have had about 3-4 cheapies each before I spent the money on brand name bikes. You will not get much from a $100 bike compared to a second hand $1000 bike you buy used for the $300. Spend the money on quality brand names not ones from kmart/wallmart/big w etc (sorry I'm in Australia). Spent good money on brand name second hand ones and I love the difference. If you going off road, you want full suspension or 'hard tail' where it's only half suspension. Every person is different. Might have a to try a few at a bike shop and see. It wont get you much, but it will get you out on the road and riding. I have started recently also and love it way more than any indoors exercise/spin bike. I ride brand name mountain bikes. The cheapies died quick and/or got donated to local charities as they really dont do the job properly, they are extremely heavy and it's not worth the time and effort to be repairing/replacing cheap bits all the time. Go second hand, you will get a good priced bike for cheaper that way. I just wouldn't get the cheapest and a 'common' brand. Look at what bike shops are selling as they do put quality reliable parts on them. Only thing with a second hand is check the frame for cracks. All other parts are replaceable, tyres/wheels/gears etc. Frame isn't and u need it in good nick for off road. Look up some bike clubs in your area, you will get great advice and possibly even second hand options there! Ask the local bike shops for advice, we got a second hand one for a third of the price new as the bike shop owner was selling it. It was well looked after also! Best of luck. You will absolutely love it!